[High-fat diet promotes the impact of periodontitis on gut microbiota and glucose metabolism]

Objective: To study whether high-fat diet could aggravate the effect of periodontitis on gut microbiota and glucose metabolism. Methods: Twenty-four male SD rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups based on table of random numbers (n=6 in each group): control group, in which rats were given normal chow diet; periodontitis group, in which periodontitis was induced by ligating bilateral maxillary second molars with 5-0 silk thread; high-fat diet group, in which rats were given high-fat diet; high-fat diet+periodontitis group, in which rats were given high-fat diet and periodontitis was induced at the end of the 8th week. Fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerance were measured at the end of the 12th week. Then the rats were euthanized and the cecum content was collected. The microbial 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed on the Illumina MiSeq platform. The taxonomy of the sequences was analyzed through RDP Classifier (http://rdp.cme.msu.edu/) against the SILVA (SSU123) 16S rRNA database. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between changes in gut microbiota and blood glucose. Results: After 4 weeks of periodontitis induction, the fasting blood glucose levels of the periodontitis group and the high-fat diet group were (4.93±0.28) and (5.25±0.24) mmol/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than that of the control group [(4.56±0.20) mmol/L] (P<0.05) with glucose intolerance. The fasting blood glucose level of high-fat diet+periodontitis group [(5.53±0.14) mmol/L] was significantly higher than that of periodontitis group and high-fat diet group, respectively (P<0.05), with the glucose tolerance curve higher than that of periodontitis group. The 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed that the Bacteroides/Firmicutes ratio in the periodontitis group is (0.37±0.23), which was significantly lower than that of the control group (0.68±0.05) (P<0.05). The relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group in the periodontitis group was (14.03±6.38)%, which was significantly lower than that of the control group [(28.21±4.82)%] (P<0.05). The relative abundance of Allobaculum [(4.27±2.67)%], Ruminococcaceae_UCG_005 [(3.70±0.90)%], Blautia [(0.63±0.45)%] in the periodontitis group were significantly higher than those of the control group [(0.60±0.72) %, (0.43±0.16) %, (0.13±0.13) %, respectively](P<0.05). Compared with periodontitis group, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in high-fat diet+periodontitis group [(3.06±0.90)%] was significantly higher than that of the periodontitis group [(1.40±0.98)%] (P<0.05). The principal coordinate analysis and similarity analysis based on the Bray-Curtis distance showed that samples of the high-fat diet+periodontitis group clustered separately from the periodontitis group and the high-fat diet group. The results of correlation analysis showed that the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group was negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose and glucose levels after loading for 60 and 120 minutes (r=-0.56, -0.50, -0.42, respectively) (P<0.05). The abundance of Allobaculum, [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes_group, Peptococcaceae_uncultured, [Ruminococcus]_torques_group, and several genera belonging to the Proteobacteria were positively correlated with glucose levels after loading for 120 minutes (P<0.05). Conclusions: Periodontitis might be closely related to impaired gut microbiota and glucose metabolism, and the effect could be aggravated by high-fat diet.

Application of Chrysomya rufifacies （Diptera, Calliphoridae） to Postmortem Interval Estimation in Southwest China: A Case Report

Insect samples found on human corpses can provide the information important to estimating the minimum postmortem interval （PMI_min）. A female cadaver, found in a deserted factory in Chongqing of China, was confirmed as a homicide case after the forensic investigation and autopsy. Determining the time of death was difficult due to the inconsistent degree of decomposition in different parts of the decedent. The insect specimens found on the cadaver were identified to be Chrysomya rufifacies （C. rufifacies, Macquart） by morphology and mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis. The PMI_min was estimated to be 452 h, based on the developmental rate of C. rufifacies. The PMI_min was estimated successfully to be almost precise, which provided an important entomological evidence for case investigation and suspect prosecution. In so doing, this highlights the usefulness of entomological evidence of specific species in the geographic area for PMI accurate estimation, especially in the case of advanced decomposed corpses.

Breast ductal carcinoma in situ with micro-invasion versus ductal carcinoma in situ: a comparative analysis of clinicopathological and mammographic findings

AIM

To determine the differences in clinicopathological and mammographic findings between ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and ductal carcinoma in situ with micro-invasion (DCIS-MI) and explore clinicopathological and mammographic factors associated with DCIS-MI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All DCIS patients with or without micro-invasion who underwent preoperative mammography at The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2016 through June 2020 were identified retrospectively. The correlations of clinicopathological findings with DCIS-MI were evaluated using univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses. Imaging findings were compared between the groups by using the Pearson chi-square test.

RESULTS

A total of 445 DCIS lesions and 151 DCIS-MI lesions were included in the final analysis. Large extent (≥2.7 cm), high nuclear grade, comedo-type, negative progesterone receptor (PR), negative oestrogen receptor (ER), high Ki-67 and axillary lymph node metastasis were more frequently found in DCIS-MI than in DCIS (all p<0.05), and the first four of these were found to be independent predictors of DCIS-MI in the multivariate analysis (all p<0.05). Regarding imaging findings, compared to DCIS, DCIS-MI showed fewer occult lesions and more lesions with calcifications in mass, asymmetry, and architectural distortion (p=0.004). Grouped calcifications were usually associated with DCIS, while regional calcifications were commonly found in DCIS-MI (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Large extent, high nuclear grade, comedo-type and negative PR were found to be independent predictors of DCIS-MI. Lesions with calcifications and regional calcifications were more likely associated with DCIS-MI on mammography.

Development of Dermestes Maculatus at a Constant Temperature and Its Larval Instar Determination

Objective To establish the basic data for estimating minimum postmortem interval （PMImin） of heavily decayed and skeletonized remains by studying the development of Dermestes maculatus DeGeer （Coleoptera: Dermestidae）. Methods The developmental stages of Dermestes maculatus were observed at four constant temperatures of 20 ℃, 24 ℃, 28 ℃ and 32 ℃, and the changes in body length were also examined as the biological indicator to estimate larval day-age and instar. Results The total developmental time from egg to adult at 20 ℃, 24 ℃, 28 ℃ and 32 ℃ were （126.7±10.6） d, （69.4±8.2） d, （50.4±8.4） d and （49.6±6.5） d, respectively. The body length increased gradually, but changed irregularly as a whole. Conclusion The study provides basic data on the development and growth of Dermestes maculatus, especially on its developmental duration as a significant value for estimating PMImin of heavily decayed and skeletonized remains. Nevertheless, the change of body length is not found to be the best biological indicator for instar determination.

[Investigation of posterior teeth displacement under normal bite force by an intraoral scanner]

Objective: To quantitatively evaluate the change of the long axis angle and the relative displacement of the crown feature points of the posterior teeth under normal bite force utilizing an intraoral scanner, and to provide clinical reference. Methods: From May to December 2019, fifteen graduate volunteers (5 males and 10 females, aged from 22 to 30, with an average age of 25.7 years) from Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology were recruited to participate in the study. The surface data (U1, L1) of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth were scanned by an intraoral scanner i500, and saved as original data. The volunteers were guided to bite in the intercuspal position with normal bite force. The buccal bite data of the posterior teeth were scanned as the basis for registration. The digital casts were imported into Geomagic studio 2013 software and the boundary lines along the gingival margin and mesial and distal contact area of posterior teeth of data (U1, L1) were determined. Long axis of the crown, crown centroid and mesial functional cusp vertex were establishd. The data (U1, L1) were segmented into single tooth. Single tooth was aligned to buccal bite data separately using best-fit alignment command based on the buccal common area of the crown and new casts data (U2, L2) were obtained as the data under bite force. The long axis angle and centroid distance between adjacent teeth (second premolar and first molar, second molar and first molar) were measured and the deviation between data obtained at mouth-open state and that at biting state was calculated. Negative value meant centroid distance became shorter under bite force. The first molar was set as the common area and registrate the U1, L1 to U2, L2. The angle of long axes, and displacement of centroid and of functional cusp vertex between second premolar of two casts were calculated, as well as between second molar of two casts. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to analyze the differences of teeth displacement between second premolar and second molar, and between maxillary and mandibular jaws with SPSS 26.0 statistical software. Results: The result of second premolar and second molar in the same jaw had no statistical difference (P>0.05). The centroid distance deviation of mandibular second premolar-first molar [-0.022(0.046) mm] was larger than that of maxilla [-0.006 (0.040) mm] (P<0.05). The long axis angle of second premolar itself [0.913°(0.647°)] and centroid distance of second molar itself [0.102 (0.106) mm] on the mandibular jaw were different from that on the maxillary jaw, which were 0.590°(0.550°) and 0.074(0.060) mm respectively (P<0.05). Conclusions: Under bite force, displacement of the second premolar and second molar was present, including the displacement of centroids and deflection of long axes. The mandibular posterior teeth have larger displacement than the maxillary teeth.

[Comparison of subgingival microbial profile of aggressive periodontitis, chronic periodontitis and periodontally healthy individuals]

Objective: To compare the subgingival microbiota of subjects from patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP), chronic periodontitis (CP) and periodontally healthy (PH) individuals, respectively. Methods: Volunteers were recruited from the Nangjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University during December 2013 to December 2014. Ten individuals were included in each of three groups. Preliminary estimation of sampling sites was chosen based on the X-ray and intraoral examination. Then the subgingival plaque samples were collected, the periodontal clinical indices were recorded, genes were extracted and amplified by PCR, and subsequently a DNA library was constructed for 16S rDNA sequencing. The library that can be successfully constructed and sequenced includes: 18 samples from 8 AgP group patients, 31 samples from 10 CP group patients and 10 samples from 8 PH group volunteers. Finally, we analyzed and compared the α-diversity, β-diversity and microbial compositions of samples in each group. Pearson correlation analysis was adopted to evaluate the correlation between the relative abundance of microorganisms and the probing depth (PD). Results: The α-diversity of subgingival flora in AgP group was significantly lower than that in PH group and CP group, respectively (P<0.05). On the phylum level, the abundance of Bacteroides [(36.8±7.4)%] and Spirochetes [(16.0±5.4)%] in AgP group and the abundance of Bacteroides [(37.2±6.3)%] and Spirochetes [(11.8±3.6)%] in CP group were significantly higher than those in PH group [(27.5±11.2)%, (5.2±4.4)%, respectively, P<0.05]. While the relative abundance of Actinomycetes and Proteobacteria [(4.2±3.3)%, (12.9±5.1)%, respectively] in AgP group and that of CP group [(6.1±2.6)%, (12.1±4.0)%, respectively] were significantly higher than PH group [(19.3±13.1)%, (23.0±10.1)%, respectively, P<0.01). The abundance of Spirochetes and Tenericutes in AgP group [(16.0±5.4)%, (1.7±1.2)%, respectively] were significantly higher than that in CP group [(11.8±3.6)%, (0.7±0.6)%, respectively, P<0.05]. At the genus level, Corynebacterium, Actinomycete, Saccharibacteria_norank, Selenomonas and Oribacterium in the subgingival flora of AgP group were significantly lower than that of CP group, while the relative abundance of Actinomycetes, Lentimicrobiaceae_norank, Defluvitaleaceae_UCG_011, Family_XI_unclassified were significantly higher than that of CP group (P<0.05). Principal coordinate analysis showed that samples of each group clustered separately from each other. Linear discriminant analysis revealed that the bacteria enriched in AgP group included Spirochetes, while in CP group included Bacteroidaceae. The result of correlation analysis showed that the abundance of the following genera in AgP group were positively correlated with PD: Treponema_2, Defluitaleaceaeae_UCG_011, Mycoplasma, Catonella, Fretibacterium (r=0.525-0.750, P<0.05). While the relative abundance of Comamonadaceae_unclassified, Streptococcus, Capnocytophaga, Neisseria, Prevotella, Peptococcus, Ralstonia, Bergenia and Actinomycetes were negatively associated with PD (r=-0.617--0.490, P<0.05). In the CP group, the abundance of Dialister, Family_XI_unclassified, Catonella, Peptococcus, Pelospora and Rikenella_RC9_gut group were positively correlated with PD (r=0.430-0.533, P<0.05). Conclusions: There is a clear difference between the subgingival flora of periodontal patients and that of PH individuals. Besides, subgingival flora of AgP and CP are also different, suggesting that these could be two different diseases.

[Analysis of the first cluster of cases in a family of COVID-19 in Gansu Province]

The epidemiological history and clinical characteristics of 7 cases of COVID-19 and 1 case of close contact in the first family aggregation epidemic of COVID-19 in Gansu Province were analyzed. The first patient A developed on January 22, 2020, with a history of residence in Wuhan, and confirmed severe cases of NCP on January 24, 2020; patient B, on January 23, 2020, diagnosed on January 31, severe cases; patient C, asymptomatic, diagnosed on January 27; patient D, asymptomatic, diagnosed on January 27; patient E, on January 24, diagnosed on January 28; patient F, asymptomatic, diagnosed on January 31; Patient G was asymptomatic and was diagnosed on January 31. In close contact, H was asymptomatic, PCR test was negative and asymptomatic, and he was discharged early. Among the 7 patients, 1 case died of (B) aggravation, and the other patients' condition was effectively controlled after active treatment. Except for the discharged cases, 5 cases were positive for COVID-19 specific IgM antibody and 1 case was negative. In this clustering outbreak, 4 patients remained asymptomatic, but PCR and IgM antibodies were positive, indicating that asymptomatic patients may be the key point to control the epidemic. Specific IgM antibody screening for patients whose pharyngeal swab nucleic acid test is negative but with ground glass-like lung lesions is very important for early detection and early isolation.

[Effect of rational emotive therapy on negative emotion in advanced schistosomiasis patients with repeated hospitalization]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of rational emotive therapy on negative emotions among advanced schistosomiasis patients with repeated hospitalizations.

METHODS

A total of 97 advanced schistosomiasis patients with anxiety and depressive emotions that were hospitalized in Xiangyue Hospital of Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control for three times or more were enrolled, and given rational emotive therapy for 4 weeks in addition to routine nursing care. The scores for anxiety, depression and quality of life were estimated in patients before and after the rational emotive therapy using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SRS), the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and WHOQOL-BREF Form.

RESULTS

The SAS and SDS scores were significantly lower 4 weeks following rational emotive therapy than before the intervention (SAS score, 45.40 ± 7.77 vs. 59.25 ± 9.29, t = 14.021, P < 0.01; 51.48 ± 8.01 vs. 63.93 ± 9.59, t = 12.991, P < 0.01). The percentages of patients with moderate and severe anxiety and depression were significantly lower 4 weeks following rational emotive therapy than before the intervention (P < 0.01), and the scores for each item in the quality of life were all significantly greater 4 weeks following rational emotive therapy than before the intervention (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Rational emotive therapy may improve the negative emotions and the quality of life of advanced schistosomiasis patients with repeated hospitalizations.

[Changes of serum lipoprotein-related phospholipase A2 in patients with white matter lesion based on KIM classification and its correlation with carotid atherosclerotic plaque]

Objective: To explore the relationships between serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and KIM-based white matter lesion (WML) and carotid atherosclerotic plaque. Methods: From November 2018 to July 2019, 155 patients admitted to the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University were enrolled, with 125 cases of brain MRI manifestations of white matter lesions allocated to WML group and 30 cases of normal MRI in control group (NC group). According to KIM classification, WML patients were further divided into juxtaventricular white matter lesion (JVWML) group (n=30), periventricular white matter lesion (PVWML) group (n=33), juxtacortical white matter lesion (JCWML) group (n=30) and deep white matter lesion (DWML) group (n=32). Clinical Data of vascular risk factors in all subjects was collected and reviewed. Serum Lp-PLA2 content was determined by double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Carotid atherosclerosis plaques were detected by carotid artery ultrasonography and divided into stable and vulnerable plaques, and thus total score of each plaque was subsequently calculated according to the Crouse method. Results: The Lp-PLA2 ((117±37) ng/ml vs (95±30) ng/ml), stable Crouse plaque integral (CPI) (0 (0,2.5) vs 0) and unstable CPI (0 (0,3.4) vs 0) in the WML group were significantly higher than those in the NC group (all P<0.05). Lp-PLA2 ((138±41) ng/ml) and unstable CPI (1.5(0,3.8)) in the PVWML group were significantly higher than those in the NC group (all P<0.05). Lp-PLA2 levels in the PVWML group were significantly higher than those in the JVWML group ((100±28) ng/ml) and JCWML group ((101±27) ng/ml) (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that blood glucose (r=0.600, P=0.000), triglyceride (TG) (r=0.371, P=0.034), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (r=0.367, P=0.036) and Lp-PLA2 (r=0.567, P=0.001) were positively correlated with unstable CPI in PVWML group, while it is negatively correlated with HDL-C (r=-0.368, P=0.035). Multivariate linear regression of all relevant factors and unstable CPI in the PVWML group showed that blood glucose (b=0.463, P<0.01) and Lp-PLA2 (b=0.347, P<0.05) were still positively correlated with unstable CPI. Conclusions: Serum Lp-PLA2 is an indicator of atherosclerosis, which is associated with carotid instability plaques in periventricular WML, suggesting that inflammatory mechanism plays an important role in the development of ischemic white matter lesions.

Excess dietary fluoride affects laying performance, egg quality, tissue retention, serum biochemical indices, and reproductive hormones of laying hens

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of excess dietary fluoride (F) on laying performance, egg quality, tissue retention, serum biochemical indices, and serum reproductive hormones of laying hens. A total of 384 Hy-Line Gray hens, 37 wk old, were treated with sodium fluoride added to a corn-soybean meal basal diet at 0, 400, 800, and 1200 mg fluorine/kg feed. The results showed that dietary F levels at 800 and 1200 mg/kg markedly decreased ADFI, laying rate, average egg weight, and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05). Dietary F levels at 800 and 1200 mg/kg dramatically decreased the egg quality of albumen height, yolk color, eggshell strength, and eggshell thickness, and on the 49th D, 400 mg/kg F group significantly decreased the eggshell strength, compared to those of control group. Fluoride residues in tissues of hens were increased significantly with the increase of dietary F supplemental levels (P < 0.05). Fluoride concentrations were generally high in feces, eggshell, tibia, kidney, and ovary, and the highest in feces, following with eggshell and tibia, lower in kidney and ovary, and the lowest in serum. Serum uric acid levels and alanine aminotransferase activity increased significantly (P < 0.05), and glucose, triglycerides, and phosphorus decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in response to dietary F concentration, compared to those of the control group, respectively. Dietary F supplementation at 1200 mg/kg significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the estrogen concentrations in serum, compared to those of the control group. Concentrations of progesterone in the fluoride-treated groups were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased relative to those of the control group. In conclusion, these results indicated that the excessive ingestion of F has had a detrimental effect on egg laying rate and quality of eggs by damaging the function of the liver, kidney, and ovary of laying hens.

Clinical characteristics of lip infantile haemangiomas and main risk factors for ulceration: an 8-year retrospective study of 69 Chinese infants

BACKGROUND

Infantile haemangiomas (IHs) involving the lip are of special concern because of the susceptibility of complications, including ulceration, obstruction and disfigurement. The available data for the relationship between their clinical characteristics and ulcerations are limited.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical characteristics of lip IHs and to evaluate the main risk factors for ulceration.

METHODS

A retrospective study was designed that included infants with lip IHs during an 8-year period, the clinical data of participants were collected, and univariable and multivariable logistic models were used to determine the relationships between the clinical characteristics of lip IHs and ulcerations. Location, size and type were investigated as potential independent factors influencing the development of ulceration.

RESULTS

A total of 69 lip IHs were identified including 40 girls and 29 boys. Ulcerations were found in 37 (53.6%) lip IHs. Lip haemangiomas experiencing ulceration had a mean size (SD) of 3.49 (2.82) cm² compared with 1.08 (0.96) cm² for those without ulceration. Twenty-eight (52.8%) of the 53 localized haemangiomas and 9 (56.3%) of the 16 segmental haemangiomas experienced ulcerations. Univariable analyses of all investigated factors revealed significant associations of location and size with increased risk of ulceration, and these significant associations remained after adjusting for sex and age [OR 8.61 (95% CI, 2.24-33.13) and 2.62 (95% CI, 1.46-4.72), respectively]. The duration before ulceration was between 4 and 70 days after the occurrence of lip IHs, with a median of 28 (19.41) days. Most ulcers occurred within 45 days of IH occurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Ulceration is a common complication of lip IHs at an earlier stage. A swollen with pale or bright crimson appearance of the lip IH surface could be an important signal of subsequent ulceration. Location of the IH on the lower lip and lip IH size are risk factors for the occurrence of ulceration.

[Analysis of the first cluster of cases in a family of novel coronavirus pneumonia in Gansu Province]

The epidemiological history and clinical characteristics of 7 cases of COVID-19 and 1 case of close contact in the first family aggregation epidemic of COVID-19 in Gansu Province were analyzed. The first patient A developed on January 22, 2020, with a history of residence in Wuhan, and confirmed severe cases of NCP on January 24, 2020; patient B, on January 23, 2020, diagnosed on January 31, severe cases; patient C, asymptomatic, diagnosed on January 27; patient D, asymptomatic, diagnosed on January 27; patient E, on January 24, diagnosed on January 28; patient F, asymptomatic, diagnosed on January 31; Patient G was asymptomatic and was diagnosed on January 31. In close contact, H was asymptomatic, PCR test was negative and asymptomatic, and he was discharged early. Among the 7 patients, 1 case died of (B) aggravation, and the other patients' condition was effectively controlled after active treatment. Except for the discharged cases, 5 cases were positive for COVID-19 specific IgM antibody and 1 case was negative. In this clustering outbreak, 4 patients remained asymptomatic, but PCR and IgM antibodies were positive, indicating that asymptomatic patients may be the key point to control the epidemic. Specific IgM antibody screening for patients whose pharyngeal swab nucleic acid test is negative but with ground glass-like lung lesions is very important for early detection and early isolation.

[Clinical analysis of transnasal endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea]

Objective:To summarize the common clinical types of cerebrospinal fluid（CSF） rhinorrhea and key points of transnasal endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea. To evaluate clinical effects. Method:In 29 patients with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, 9 patients with traumatic CSF rhinorrhea, 10 patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea, 7 patients with CSF rhinorrhea after tumour excision, and 3 patients with iatrogenic CSF rhinorrhea. All the 29 patients were treated with transnasal endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea. Result:There were 25 patients were successfully repaired at one time. Three patients developed intracranial infection and 2 patient developed pneumocephalus after surgery, all of them were cured with conservative treatment. All the patients who were followed-up for more than half a year had no recurrence. Conclusion:Transnasal endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea is safe and effective, the success rate of operation is high, it is not easy to recur, and the complications are few. It can be used as the first choice for repairing of CSF rhinorrhea and effective prevention measures. Accurate location of leak, appropriate repair, effective reconstruction of the skull base, continuous drainage of the lumbar cistern when necessary and active prevention of intracranial infection are critical to the success of operation.

[Prenatal gene diagnosis of 200 fetuses at high risk of osteogenesis imperfect]

Objective: The authors aim to provide genetic counselling and prenatal gene diagnosis to the families with osteogenesis imperfecta(OI), based on the identification of pathogenetic mutations in large cohort genetic testing. Methods: DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of parents of the fetuses, and from the villi tissue, amniotic fluid or cord blood of the fetuses using a standard sodium dodecyl sulfate-proteinase K-phenol/chloroform extraction method. PCR combined with Sanger DNA sequencing was performed to validate the pathogenic mutations of 200 fetuses at risk of OI and their parents from 158 families. Allelic analysis of microsatellite markers was applied to exclude the false positive caused by maternal DNA contamination, when both the fetus and the mother harbored the same pathogenic genotype. Results: A total of 83 affected fetuses (83/200, 41.5%) and 12 (12/200, 6.0%) recessive carriers were identified among the 200 fetuses. The 83 affected fetuses included 78 heterozygotes (45 of COL1A1, 32 of COL1A2, one of IFITM5), and 5 compound heterozygotes or homozygotes of recessive OI (two of FKBP10, one of SEC24D, one of WNT1 and one of CRTAP); The 12 recessive carriers included 7 of WNT1, 4 of SERPINF1 and one of SERPINH1. Maternal DNA contamination was excluded from the genomic DNA samples of OI fetuses when their mother with the same affected genotypes. Conclusion: In this study, the authors used an optimized gene diagnosis system of OI to perform prenatal genetic diagnosis to 200 fetuses at high risk of OI, and provided precisely genetic counselling to the OI families.

Transport characteristics of multi-terminal pristine and defective phosphorene systems

Atomic vacancies and nanopores act as local scattering centers and modify the transport properties of charge carriers in phosphorene nanoribbons (PNRs). We investigate the influence of such atomic defects on the electronic transport of multi-terminal PNR. We use the non-equilibrium Green's function approach within the tight-binding framework to calculate the transmission coefficient and the conductance. Terminals induce band mixing resulting in oscillations in the conductance. In the presence of atomic vacancies and nanopores the conductance between non-axial terminals exhibit constructive scattering, which is in contrast to mono-axial two-terminal systems where the conductance exhibits destructive scattering. This can be understood from the spatial local density of states of the transport modes in the system. Our results provide fundamental insights into the electronic transport in PNR-based multi-terminal systems and into the ability of atomic defects and nanopores through tuning the transport properties.

[Endemic situation of schistosomiasis in Wuhu City from 2009 to 2018]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in Wuhu City from 2009 to 2018, so as to provide evidence for adjusting and developing the control strategy.

METHODS

The data regarding the endemic situation were retrospectively collected and analyzed in Wuhu City from 2009 to 2018.

RESULTS

The prevalence of human Schistosoma japonicum infections reduced from 0.450% in 2009 to 0.035% in 2018 in Wuhu City, and a reduction rate of 92.22% (χ² = 1 6128.307, P < 0.01), and the prevalence of S. japonicum infections decreased from 0.483% in 2009 to 0 in 2018 (χ² = 27.570, P < 0.01) in livestock. The area of snail habitats increased from 1 501.07 hm² in 2009 to 4 408.62 hm² in 2018, with an increase of 193.70%. No infected snails were found in Wuhu City since 2012, and no egg positives were detected in humans and livestock since 2016.

CONCLUSIONS

Currently, the endemic situation of schistosomiasis is at a low level in Wuhu City; however, there are still factors affecting schistosomiasis transmission. In the future, the integrated strategy with emphasis on the control of infectious source and the surveillance-response system should be intensified to consolidate the achievements of schistosomiasis control.

[Analysis of clinical features of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma in the nasal cavity]

Objective: To analyze the clinical features of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH) in the nasal cavity. Methods: Clinical datas of 23 patients, who were hospitalized in Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, from February 2016 to February 2018 with histopathologically proved REAH in the nasal cavity were reviewed. There were 18 males and 5 females, with the age range from 16 to 71 years old. The most common area, main symptoms, surgical methods and follow-up results were analyzed. Results: The most common area was olfactory cleft (21 cases), and the mainly symptom was nasal congestion (18 cases). All the patients received transnasal endoscopic surgery and had no recurrence during following-up from three months to one year. Conclusions: The most common area of REAH in the nasal cavity is the olfactory cleft. Histopathological result is needed to make a definite diagnosis. Complete surgical resection is the main treatment.

[Hypoxia increases chemotherapy resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma via inducing CDK6 deSUMOylation]

Objective: To understand the mechanism of chemotherapy resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma under hypoxic conditions through the perspective of protein SUMOylation modification. Methods: Cobalt chloride (CoCl(2)) was used to establish the hypoxic model of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE1 cells. Then, the cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry, and the expression level of small ubiquitin-related modifier(SUMO) and cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) proteins were detected by western blotting. MTT assay was used to determine the median lethal dose (IC(50)) of cancer cells against cisplatin, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level. Results: The cell cycle of CNE1 induced by hypoxia was arrested in G0/G1 phase.The results of Western blot showed that the protein expression level of CDK6 in CNE1 cells was lower than that in the control group (0.83±0.25 vs. 0.43±0.21, t=14.67, P=0.003). The protein level of conjugated SUMO1 was significantly lower than that in the control group (2.69±0.48 vs. 1.38±0.31, t=17.22, P=0.001), while the level of free SUMO1 protein was significantly higher than that in the control group (2.01±0.43 vs. 2.60±0.59, t=15.45, P=0.002).The LC50 of CNE1 cells in the control group was significantly lower than that in the hypoxic group (29.44 μg/ml vs. 97.72 μg/ml, t=12.79, P=0.001). After CNE1 cells received 50 μg/ml cisplatin for 48 h, the LDH content in the supernatant of the control group was significantly higher than that in the hypoxic group ((541.49±64.59) ng/ml vs. (234.67±41.03) ng/ml, t=11.94, P=0.007)). The apoptosis rate of CNE1 cells in the control group was significantly higher than that in the hypoxic group ((76.64±5.37)% vs. (32.84±4.77) ng/ml, t=8.49, P=0.003)). Conclusion: Hypoxia can dissociate the covalent modification of CDK6 and SUMO1, inhibit cell cycle and increase the chemotherapy resistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

[Etiology and clinical technology of the food impaction with tight proximal contacts]

Food impaction with tight proximal contacts, also known as kinetic food impaction and food impaction without anatomical structure destruction, is mainly caused by a transient separation in contacts area during mastication. It's an intractable food impaction with high morbidity and low cure rate. There are two kinds of pathogenesis accepted: the shifting of anterior teeth incongruous with adjacent teeth or lack of anterior shifting; lack of food escape grooves. The preferred treatment is occlusal adjustment, but it's difficult to determine the area and extent of selective grinding, to quantify the occlusal adjustment, or to predict the prognosis. This review summarized the pathogenesis and treatment modality for kinetic food impaction in order to provide evidence for future researches and clinical application.

[Clinical study of different adsorbents with dual plasma molecular adsorption system in the treatment of hepatic failure]

Objective: To investigate the effects of two different sorbents(Carbon perfusion apparatus and Resin perfusion apparatus)in Double plasma molecular absorb syetem for liver failure treatment. Methods: A total of 152 cases with liver failure who were admitted to The Sixth People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, from June 2016 to May 2018 were selected and divided into DPMARS Carbon group (77 cases) and Resin group (75 cases). The two groups were observed in terms of liver function, prothrombin activity(PTA),Plasma albumin ,tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 were detected and compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results: ①The clinical symptoms improved in different degree in two groups, the recovery rate of Carbon cans Carbon perfusion apparatus group and Resin group separately were89.6% (69/77)、90.7% (68/75)(χ(2) = 0.048, P = 0.975), there were no statistical differences. There were no statistical differences between the two groups in untoward reactions(χ(2) = 0.235, P = 0.995), ②Compared with before treatment, TBil(t = 3.735, 3.728; P = 0.000, 0.000)、ALT(t = 5.117, 5.203; P = 0.000, 0.000)、TNF-α (t = 3.158, 3.094; P = 0.000, 0.002)、IL-6(t = 3.647, 3.559; P = 0.002, 0.003)decreased and ALB (t = 2.300, 3.065; P = 0.024, 0.003) increased significantly after treatment in both groups, and there were statistical differences. There were no signifiant differences in the changes in ALB(t = 0.316, 0.209; P = 0.657, 0.720) and PTA(t = 0.810, 0.843; P = 0.429, 0.516). ③After treatment, there were no signifiant differences in the changes in TBil、ALT、ALB、PTA、TNF-α、IL-6(t = 0.377、0.904、-1.133、-1.552、0.841、0.401; P = 0.952、0.283、0.826、0.094、0.154、0.457). Conclusion: Double plasma molecular absorb syetem is effective in treating liver failure. Carbon perfusion apparatus or Resin perfusion apparatus can be combined with Specific bilirubin adsorption column for DPMARS in clinical treatment,and their effects are similar.

Effects of dietary supplementation with Clostridium butyricum on laying performance, egg quality, serum parameters, and cecal microflora of laying hens in the late phase of production

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Clostridium butyricum on laying performance, egg quality, serum parameters, and cecal microflora of laying hens in the late phase of production. Jinghong-1 strain laying hens (n = 960; 48 wk of age) were randomly allocated to 5 treatment groups with 6 replicates of 32 hens. Hens were fed with basal diet (control) and basal diet supplemented with 2.5 × 104 (CB1), 5 × 104 (CB2), 1 × 105 (CB3), and 2 × 105 (CB4) cfu/g C. butyricum for 10 wk. The results showed that egg production, egg mass, and eggshell strength increased quadratically as supplemental C. butyricum increased, and these responses were maximized in the CB2 group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the addition of C. butyricum resulted in quadratic effects on serum total protein, uric acid, calcium, complement component C3 and catalase concentrations, and these responses were maximized or minimized in the CB2 group (P < 0.05). Linear and quadratic increases were observed in serum IgM, total superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase concentrations, and these responses were maximized in CB2 or CB3 group (P < 0.05). The addition of C. butyricum in the CB2 group resulted in linearly increasing levels of serum IgG concentration as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Spleen index increased (P < 0.05) in the CB2 group. Hens fed with C. butyricum reduced (P > 0.05) the population of E. coli, while Bifidobacterium counts increased quadratically and maximized in the CB2 group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results indicated that dietary supplementation with C. butyricum (5 × 104 or 1 × 105 cfu/g) could improve laying performance and egg quality by promoting immune function, enhancing antioxidative capacity, and benefiting the cecal microflora of laying hens in the late phase of production.

Forensic Analysis of 24 Cases of Long-term Antipsychotics Use-Induced Sudden Unexpected Deaths

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the forensic characteristics of 24 psychiatric patients who died of long-term use of psychotropic drugs.

METHODS

Cases of sudden death of psychiatric patients from 2011 to 2016 were collected. The forensic characteristics of these sudden deaths were retrospectively analyzed by systematic investigation plus results of autopsy and toxics （drugs）.

RESULTS

Among the 24 psychiatric patients who died of long-term use of psychotropic substances, the ratio of male to female was 1.7∶1, and the average age was （59.0±8.8） years. Fifteen patients had clear disease durations （14.4±8.2） years, and other the nine were known to have disease durations of over 3 years. The death time of 62.5% of patients was the daytime in working days, and 91.7% of the patients died at home. Most patients complained different degrees of physical discomfort before death. Patients with schizophrenia （20 cases） were the most common, followed by depression （4 cases）. All patients had the history of taking psychotropic drugs, with clozapine and chlorpromazine being the mostly detected ones. The causes of death were mainly circulatory diseases （15 cases）, with the most common being myocarditis （11 cases） followed by pneumonia （4 cases）.

CONCLUSIONS

Critical attention should be paid to the risk of antipsychotics-induced sudden unexpected deaths for psychiatric patients, particularly for those with schizophrenia.

Relationship of crop yield and soil organic carbon and nitrogen under long term fertilization in black loessial soil region on the Loess Plateau in China

The feedbacks between crop yield and soil organic carbon and total nitrogen contents were examined in a long-term experiment, which was established on black loessial soil on the Loess Pla-teau in China. There were six treatments, including CK (no fertilizer), N (single nitrogen fertilizer), NP (chemical fertilizers NP), SNP (straw and chemical fertilizers NP), M (organic manure) and MNP (organic manure and chemical fertilizers NP). Results showed that balanced application of chemical fertilizers, single application of organic manure, the combined application of chemical fertilizers with organic manure and chemical fertilizers coupled with straw returning to the field all significantly increased crop yield and its stability compared with control (CK). The yields of maize and wheat in NP, SNP, M and MNP treatments increased by 92%, 97%, 93%, 141% and 147%, 164%, 139%, 214%, respectively, compared with the control. The annual mean yields of maize and wheat in NP treatment were equal to or higher than those of the local conventional fertilization practices and quite stable among different years, which indicated that the fertilization rates with N 90 kg·hm^-2 and P₂O₅ 75 kg·hm^-2 were enough for crop growth in wheat-maize rotation system. Application of chemical fertilizer P every other year combined with straw returning to the field (SNP) had similar crop yield values with NP treatment, with the P application amount could be reduced by 50%. The balanced application of chemical fertilizers, organic manure application, the combined application of chemical fertilizers with organic manure, and chemical fertilizers coupled with straw returning to the field could significantly increase soil organic carbon content, whereas chemical fertilizer application had no significant influence on soil total nitrogen content. Across all treatments, the contents of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen were significantly and positively correlated. Under different fertilization treatments, organic carbon sequestration rate was between 15% and 41%. In SNP treatment, the soil organic carbon content enhanced 0.06 g·kg^-1 when the amount of organic carbon input every increased 1 t·hm^-2, while in CK, N, NP, M and MNP treatments, the increments was between 0.12 and 0.15 g·kg^-1. The yields of both maize and wheat were positively correlated with soil total nitrogen content. Maize yield constantly increased with the increases of soil organic carbon content, but wheat yield increased at first and then kept stable with the increases of soil organic carbon content, with a threshold of 6.8 g·kg^-1. In conclusion, long-term balanced application of chemical fertilizers, organic manure application, chemical fertilizers combined with manure and chemical fertilizers coupled with straw returning to the field could significantly increase soil organic carbon and total nitrogen contents, consequently resulted in higher crop yield and stubble amount returned to soil, the increase of stubble returned to soil further led to the increase of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen contents, which formed the mutual promotion feedback relationship each other in the black loessial soil region of Loess Plateau in China.